Youth and community leaders meet to talk about the 17-year-old’s murder on Halloween night

Indianapolis, Indiana – To honor a 17-year-old man who was shot and killed last week close to his home, community leaders will meet with some young people on Indianapolis’ east side.

To discuss Dashawn Gilbert, members of the New Breed of Youth are gathering at 9501 East 36th Place.

Prior to his murder, the 17-year-old participated in the youth mentor program. That death has not been solved.

IMPD was called to a gunshot in the Brookwood Crossing area along Cumberland Road on Halloween night when children were still out trick-or-treating.

Dashawn Gilbert, 17, was shot in the middle of the street not far from his own house, and that is where he died.

“I had a really respectful experience with Dashawn Gilbert in the program. Kareem Hines stated, “We never had a problem with him in our program, even though he had a lot to deal with.”

According to Hines, Gilbert and the victim’s younger brother, who is still involved in the program, were both a part of his New BOY mentorship program.

The 17-year-old was scheduled to graduate early from Warren Central High School next month before he passed away.

The current objective is to encourage healing among individuals who knew the 17-year-old, even if the cause of the homicide is still being investigated.

“What happened is not the focus of this circle. The question is, how do we proceed? Hines asked, “How can we grieve in a healthy way?”

With Gilbert’s passing, Indianapolis has seen nine teen homicides this year.

That is the lowest amount through October for any year since 2018 and less than half of the total from the same date the previous year.

For this reason, Hines also intends to give Dashawn’s friends a message of optimism.

We have a chance to ensure that these young men understand the worth of their life. “Assure them that guns are never the solution to any conflict,” Hines added.

The case has not yet resulted in any arrests.

Detective Jose Torres at the IMPD Homicide Office can be reached by phone at 317-327-3475 or by email at [email protected] if you have any information on this incident.

As an alternative, they can stay anonymous by calling Crime Stoppers of Central Indiana at 317-262-8477 or (TIPS).